The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: At the Pulpit (11/15/07)
Tommy was only eight years old, but he knew he wanted to be a preacher; mostly because he knew God wanted him to be a preacher. He impatiently waited each week to go to church to hear the preaching. It was the best part. Oh, the singing was great, and the testimonies were fine, but nothing matched up to the preaching.

Next Sunday would be very special. Pastor asked Tommy to give a five-minute sermon, his first! He thought, prayed, and thought some more about what he should say. His mind began to wonder to the congregation. He thought about the woman who gossiped and the man that complained; maybe he needed some fire and brimstone. It was harder than it looked, Pastor made it look easy and fun.

Sunday morning, Tommy jumped out of bed, got dressed, and ate breakfast. He even shined his shoes. It was important for a preacher to have shiny shoes. He did not know why but they all had shiny shoes. His family was usually one of the first to arrive; this Sunday was not any different. He helped Pastor greet people and hand out bulletins. A few noticed he was on the schedule and gave some encouraging words.

When the music started, Tommy was in his place on the front row. He felt in his pocket, thankfully his notes were still safe. After the congregational singing, Pastor introduced him and explained to the congregation Tommy would be preaching his first sermon. He then told Tommy to come to the pulpit. He quickly went to the stage and then turned to face the congregation. He could not see from behind the lectern, he just stood there staring at the wood. Laughter filled the auditorium; Pastor came over with a chair for Tommy to stand on. He spread out his notes looking at all the eyes looking back at him. His notes were covered with grape jelly. He could not read them; he would need the Lord to help him. So, he led the congregation to pray with him. Afterwards, he looked up and remembered his scripture text, John 3:16, but could not remember how it went with his notes. He began to panic, maybe he should pray again. Pastor never did that, he read the text and “let it fly,” which seemed to be the difficult part. Tommy recited the verse a few times and tried to add emphasis on certain words. Five minutes seemed like an eternity but then everyone started clapping. He took his seat back on the first row, he needed to watch Pastor closely and take notes, next time he would be ready.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1093 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Josiah Kane
11/23/07
This is a really nice story. The idea that everyone might want to serve God, not just the pastor, is often forgotten. I think that with the possible exception of a pastor’s or elder’s child, 8 years is too young. The difficulty involved in preaching is also ignored. I loved your description of Tommy’s sermon, especially the grape jelly. Great job.
Laury Hubrich
11/25/07
You are a very good story teller! Keep on writing!
Laury
Jennifer Wetter
11/27/07
What a beautiful reminscent from childhood to pulpit preacher. Reminds me about my childhood dreams and what I wanted to be when I grow up.